Gretsch G5655TG Electromatic Jr. CG

Gretsch G5655TG Electromatic Jr. CG review

The Gretsch G5655TG Electromatic Jr. CG is a compact semi-hollow electric guitar with a maple body, a center block and two Black Top Broad'Tron humbuckers. Its Cadillac Green finish, gold-colored hardware and pearloid fingerboard inlays give it a bold, vintage-inspired look. At a listed price of $899, it sits in a range where finish quality, reliable hardware and a distinctive voice all matter.

Owner feedback is largely enthusiastic about the instrument's appearance, sound and comfortable feel. Reports on quality control are less consistent. Several players describe clean fretwork and excellent finish application, while others encountered troublesome tuning machines, a faulty pickup switch, loose-feeling controls or premature fret wear. That spread makes an in-person inspection, or a careful check during the return period, especially worthwhile.

Construction and feel

The laminated maple body measures 343 mm (13 inches) wide and uses a center block, giving the guitar its semi-hollow construction. Players describe the smaller body as comfortable and easy to handle. One owner found it relatively light, with only a slight tendency toward neck dive. A suitable strap helped manage that balance.

The maple neck has a laurel fingerboard, 22 medium frets, a 305 mm (12-inch) fingerboard radius and a 42.9 mm nut width. Pearloid Neo-Classic thumbnail inlays and fingerboard binding add to the traditional Gretsch styling. Multiple owners praise the neck's feel and the overall setup, and some report smooth fret ends and accurate binding. Others noticed rougher fret finishing or small dents developing near the first few frets. The differences between those reports suggest that individual examples deserve a close inspection.

Several reviewers were impressed by the thin, even finish and tidy assembly, including the binding and drilled openings. The gold hardware against Cadillac Green draws plenty of attention, though the look will be a matter of taste. This is a guitar designed to stand out onstage as readily as it does in a collection.

Pickups, controls and vibrato

The two Black Top Broad'Tron humbuckers are a strong part of the guitar's appeal. Players describe them as warm, full and clear, with enough edge for gritty rock tones while remaining composed for clean playing. The neck pickup is often characterized as rounder and closer to a traditional PAF-style humbucker than to a sharply twangy Filter'Tron voice. The bridge pickup receives especially positive comments. Together, the pickups offer a broader, thicker sound than some players expect from a Gretsch, which helps the guitar move between blues, jazz, funk and rock.

The control layout includes individual volume and tone controls, plus master volume and master tone. One owner praised the treble-bleed circuit, reporting that useful brightness remains when the master volume is turned down. Another reviewer found the controls and pickup selector less satisfying, citing excess play in some components or a switch that developed a bad connection. Treat those experiences as possible inspection points rather than guaranteed faults.

A licensed Bigsby B70 vibrato and anchored Adjusto-Matic bridge complete the hardware. Owners generally report usable tuning stability when the vibrato is applied gently. It is not intended for aggressive pitch dives, and hard use can lead to tuning trouble. Some players also mention needing to tighten the vibrato arm's retaining nut from time to time. The Graph Tech NuBone nut is another practical feature, although tuning stability depends on the full string path and the condition of the individual guitar.

What to check before buying

• Tuning machines: Several owners describe the stock tuners as stiff, imprecise or difficult to use. Some replaced them with aftermarket locking tuners.
• Electronics: Check the pickup selector, output jack and controls for secure operation and clean signal in every position.
• Frets and setup: Inspect fret ends and the first few frets, particularly if buying without a chance to play the guitar first.
• Vibrato and storage: Use the Bigsby with a light touch. No case or gig bag is included, and owners say finding a well-fitting case can take some effort.

Verdict

The Gretsch G5655TG Electromatic Jr. CG offers a comfortable compact body, distinctive styling and Broad'Tron pickups with a warm, flexible voice. The center-block construction also makes it a practical choice for players who want semi-hollow character without giving up rock-ready gain. Owner reports point to excellent examples, but also recurring concerns around tuners, switches and fret condition. At $899, it is a compelling option for players drawn to its particular blend of Gretsch brightness and thicker humbucker sound, provided the individual instrument checks out.